Volunteer Spotlight: Kathleen Offer

Guest Blogger: Elie Kim, sister of one of our participants and volunteer at the Playhouse – age 16

We are so grateful for our amazing volunteers and love any opportunity to sing their praises. Kathleen Offer has been ‘offering’ support, guidance, and friendship to participants at GiGi’s for the past year. She makes a big impact at the Playhouse with the positive energy she brings to all of her interactions.

Please take a moment to get to know Kathleen below…

How did your involvement at GiGi’s start?

Initially, I was told about GiGi’s by my aunt, Erin Goldberg, who volunteers in Cleveland. She told me that there was a Playhouse in Detroit, so I was immediately interested in seeing if and how I could help. I started volunteering last September after going through the initial training in July. Now, I mostly volunteer with Fantastic Friends, but I’ve picked up a few sessions of Teen Tastic as well.

What makes GiGi’s so special to you?

I love that there is a special place for so many special people. The world can be tough. For the people who benefit from GiGi’s, it must be nice to know there is a little spot where they can feel safe, loved, and cared for, even for just a moment in time.

What is your favorite memory from any GiGi’s program?

My favorite memory so far, is from my first visit to Fantastic Friends. We were having a roundtable conversation about the fun things everyone did over the summer. I shared that I had seen P!nk in concert. One of our regulars, Mary, who had never met me before, was so impressed that she gave me one of the biggest hugs I’ve ever received because she’s a big fan of P!nk. It was pretty cool. 

What is your favorite thing about volunteering at GiGi’s?

I love getting to know the people, hearing their joys and helping them as best I can through their sorrows. I love knowing that they have this space and can look forward to going there to talk, learn, laugh, play, create and have fun without being judged.

Do you have any family members or friends who have Down syndrome?

My uncle Patrick McCue had Down syndrome. He had many challenges, but he also was extremely happy, bright, funny, and, yes, stubborn at times (aren’t we all?). As a kid, I saw how people reacted to him, and sometimes it was upsetting. But I also saw how he was loved, and how he loved, and that was amazing. He touched so many people in his life, and I know everyone at GiGi’s is doing the same for the people in their world. They are the light in a lot of people’s lives.

In what ways has GiGi’s impacted you?

Gigi’s has reminded me that there are wonderful people in the world. These are the people who created GiGi’s, who work or volunteer at GiGi’s, who support it, who attend its programs … and the parents and guardians who love their children. My heart is touched whenever I see a person who has Down syndrome or any other challenge, knowing they were brought into this world to be loved and to experience life.

What is the biggest misconception about individuals with Down syndrome?

I suspect the biggest misconception is that they are incapable of doing things other people do. The folks at GiGi’s prove that’s not true every day. A lot of the people who attend Fantastic Friends have jobs and play sports and do all sorts of things. They impress me all the time. 

How does volunteering at GiGi’s tie together with your personal or work life?

I work at Notre Dame Preparatory School, located in Pontiac, MI. It’s a Catholic school run by the Marist Fathers and Brothers. One of the calls of the Marists is to “think, judge, feel, and act as Mary in all things.” So, in a small way, I try to do that in my personal life. Further, I believe that volunteering is important not only for my soul, but to have credibility with the students I come into contact with on a daily basis. We want them to be good citizens, so we need to model that for them.

What would you tell to people who want to start volunteering at GiGi’s?

I would tell them to go for it! It’s a blast getting to know everybody and seeing what they can do. If you’re a little unsure, that’s OK. Just take the leap and you will be welcomed with open arms, just like I was. I’m happy to report that I got my mother, Lindy, one of Patrick’s sisters, to volunteer with me, and she has loved every minute of it.

Many thanks, Kathleen, from all of us at GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit!

Our volunteers mean the world to us! If you’ve been thinking about getting involved with GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit, now is the time! There are countless ways to support, from assisting with group programs, 1:1 tutoring, joining a committee, and more! All skillsets are welcome, and any amount of time you can give will be appreciated. You can find out more info HERE.